Adware.Softomate is a browser-based adware program that infiltrates Windows systems to inject unwanted advertisements, redirect web searches, and track browsing activity for revenue generation. Originally discovered in the mid-2010s, this adware family targets popular web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer, modifying their settings to display pop-ups, in-text ads, and sponsored search results. While not as destructive as ransomware or banking trojans, Softomate degrades system performance, compromises privacy, and creates security vulnerabilities by exposing users to potentially malicious third-party content.
Users typically notice Softomate when their homepage changes without permission, search queries redirect through unfamiliar domains, or excessive advertisements appear on websites that normally don't display them. The adware generates revenue through pay-per-click schemes and affiliate marketing, incentivizing its distributors to bundle it with legitimate-looking software installers.
Threat Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Family | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Common Aliases | PUA:Win32/Softomate, Adware.Generic.Softomate, BrowserModifier:Win32/Softomate |
| Platform | Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (32-bit and 64-bit) |
| Affected Browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge (legacy) |
| Primary Distribution | Software bundling, freeware installers, fake update prompts |
| Persistence Mechanisms | Browser extensions, scheduled tasks, Run registry keys, browser shortcut modification |
| Revenue Model | Pay-per-click advertising, search redirection affiliate fees, data harvesting |
| Typical Capabilities | Ad injection, homepage hijacking, search redirection, browser tracking, settings modification |
| Data Collection | Browsing history, search queries, clicked links, IP address, system configuration |
| Common File Locations | %LOCALAPPDATA%, %APPDATA%, %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\Softomate variants |
| Network Behavior | Connects to ad-serving domains, redirects through affiliate networks, downloads additional components |
| Removal Difficulty | Moderate (spreads across multiple browser profiles, reinstalls from scheduled tasks) |
How It Spreads
Adware.Softomate relies primarily on deceptive distribution tactics rather than technical exploits. The most common infection vector is software bundling, where the adware is packaged with legitimate-looking freeware applications. Users downloading video converters, PDF creators, download managers, or system optimization tools from third-party download sites often unknowingly agree to install Softomate during the installation process. The adware is buried in "Custom" or "Advanced" installation options, while the default "Express" installation automatically includes it.
Fake update notifications represent another significant distribution method. Users browsing certain websites encounter pop-ups claiming their Flash Player, Java, or browser needs an urgent update. Clicking "Update Now" downloads an installer that contains Softomate alongside — or instead of — the promised update. These fake prompts are sophisticated enough to mimic legitimate software vendor notifications, complete with official-looking logos and warning messages.
Once installed on a system, Softomate can facilitate the installation of additional PUPs and adware through its network connections. It's not uncommon for users to find multiple adware families on a single infected machine, each installed by the others in a cascading infection chain.
- Bundled freeware installers from download portals and file-sharing sites
- Fake update prompts for Flash Player, Java, media codecs, or browsers
- Malvertising campaigns on compromised or low-quality websites
- Torrent files and pirated software packages with modified installers
- Email attachments disguised as legitimate software (less common for this family)
- Social engineering tactics on forums and social media promoting "helpful" utilities
What It Does On Your Machine
Upon installation, Adware.Softomate immediately begins modifying browser configurations to maximize ad exposure and generate revenue. It installs browser extensions or add-ons without proper user consent, often hiding under generic names or masquerading as legitimate productivity tools. These extensions inject JavaScript code into web pages, allowing the adware to insert advertisements into sites that don't normally display them, convert regular text into clickable ad links, and overlay pop-ups on top of legitimate content.
The adware typically hijacks your browser's homepage and default search engine, redirecting them to unfamiliar search portals. These modified search engines display legitimate-looking results mixed with sponsored content and affiliate links. Every search you perform generates revenue for the adware operators through pay-per-click schemes. The redirections often route through multiple intermediate domains before landing on the final search page, making it difficult to identify and block the source.
Softomate creates persistence mechanisms to ensure it survives browser resets and basic removal attempts. It modifies browser shortcuts to include command-line parameters that force specific homepages or search engines. It installs scheduled tasks that periodically check for the adware's presence and reinstall components if they've been removed. Registry Run keys ensure that background processes launch at startup, ready to reinfect browsers even after a clean uninstall.
Performance degradation becomes noticeable as the adware consumes system resources. Browser tabs load more slowly due to the injection of advertising scripts. Pop-ups appear frequently, sometimes in cascading windows that are difficult to close. The constant network communication with ad-serving domains increases bandwidth usage and creates potential security risks, as some of the ad networks Softomate connects to have been known to serve malicious content including tech-support scams and fake antivirus warnings.
# Main executable folder with random name
softomateupdater.exe
softomatebho.dll
config.dat
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
SoftomateService = "C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\{GUID}\softomateupdater.exe"
Scheduled Task:
\SoftomateUpdateTaskMachineCore # Runs at login
\SoftomateUpdateTaskMachineUA # Runs hourly
Browser Extensions:
Chrome: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\[random-ID]\
Firefox: %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\[profile]\extensions\{random-GUID}.xpi
Manual Removal — Step by Step
Disconnect From the Network
Unplug your ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi before proceeding. This prevents the adware from downloading additional components, communicating with command servers, or reinstalling itself from remote sources during the removal process.
Boot Into Safe Mode with Networking
Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly during boot (or Shift+Restart on Windows 10/11, then Troubleshoot > Advanced > Startup Settings > Restart > press 5). Safe Mode prevents the adware's background processes from launching, making removal easier. We need Networking enabled for step 7.
Uninstall Suspicious Programs
Open Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Settings > Apps on Windows 10/11). Sort by installation date and look for unfamiliar programs installed around the time symptoms began. Uninstall anything named Softomate, along with unfamiliar utilities, browser helpers, or optimization tools you didn't intentionally install. Watch for programs with random names, version numbers like "1.0.0.1", or publishers you don't recognize.
Remove Browser Extensions
Open each browser you use and navigate to the extensions/add-ons manager (chrome://extensions/ for Chrome, about:addons for Firefox). Remove any extensions you don't recognize or didn't install yourself. Pay special attention to extensions with generic names like "Helper," "SaveOn," "Discount Finder," or those with minimal descriptions. Don't just disable them—click Remove to delete them completely.
Delete Scheduled Tasks
Press Windows+R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler. Expand Task Scheduler Library and look for tasks containing "Softomate," "Updater," or random letter combinations. Right-click suspicious tasks and select Delete. Common Softomate tasks run hourly or at user login and point to executable files in AppData\Local folders.
Clean Registry Run Keys
Press Windows+R, type regedit, and press Enter (click Yes to the UAC prompt). Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Look for entries pointing to AppData\Local folders with random names or anything containing "Softomate." Right-click these entries and delete them. Also check the RunOnce keys in the same locations.
Delete Program Files and Folders
Open File Explorer and navigate to %LOCALAPPDATA% (paste this into the address bar). Look for folders with random GUID-like names (long strings of letters/numbers in curly braces) or folders named after Softomate. Delete these entire folders. Also check %APPDATA% and %PROGRAMFILES(X86)% for similar suspicious directories. You may need to show hidden files (View tab > Hidden items checkbox) to see everything.
Reset Browser Settings
In each browser, reset settings to defaults. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to original defaults. Firefox: Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox. Edge: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to default values. This clears hijacked homepages, search engines, and any lingering adware configurations. You'll need to reconfigure your preferences afterward, but your bookmarks will be preserved.
Run a Reputable Anti-Malware Scanner
Reconnect to the network and download Malwarebytes Free or another reputable scanner (not one advertised in pop-ups). Run a full system scan to catch any remnants or related PUPs that manual removal missed. Quarantine and delete everything it finds. Consider running a second opinion scan with AdwCleaner, which specializes in adware removal.
Reboot and Verify Clean System
Restart your computer normally (not in Safe Mode). Open your browser and verify that your homepage and search engine are what you expect. Browse normally for 10-15 minutes and watch for pop-ups, redirects, or unusual ads. Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for suspicious processes. If symptoms return, the adware may have additional persistence mechanisms requiring professional removal.
Prevention
- Download software only from official sources. Avoid third-party download sites like Softonic, Download.com, or CNET Downloads. Go directly to the software developer's official website. These download portals often bundle installers with PUPs and adware.
- Always choose Custom or Advanced installation. Never click through installer wizards using Express or Recommended options. Custom installation reveals bundled software and allows you to uncheck unwanted extras. Read each screen carefully and decline additional offers.
- Keep your browser and operating system updated. Enable automatic updates for Windows and your browsers. Security patches close vulnerabilities that malicious websites exploit to install adware without proper consent.
- Install a reputable ad blocker. Browser extensions like uBlock Origin block malicious advertisements and fake update prompts before they load. This reduces exposure to malvertising campaigns that distribute adware.
- Be skeptical of update prompts. Legitimate software updates come through the program itself or Windows Update—not random website pop-ups. If you see a Flash Player or Java update notification on a website, close it and check for updates directly through the official software instead.
- Maintain real-time antivirus protection. Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11) provides adequate baseline protection against known adware families. Keep it enabled and updated. Third-party solutions like Bitdefender or Kaspersky offer additional layers.
- Review browser extensions regularly. Once a month, audit your installed extensions and remove anything you don't actively use or recognize. Adware extensions can appear after seemingly unrelated software installations.
- Create a standard user account for daily use. Running as Administrator makes it easier for adware to install system-wide. A standard user account requires explicit elevation for system changes, adding a barrier against automatic installations.
When Computer Repair Roswell removes malware from your system, we guarantee it stays clean. If the same infection returns within 90 days, we'll remove it again at no charge. We also optimize your system, update security software, and verify all critical Windows updates are installed—giving you a cleaner, faster machine than you had before the infection.
Bring It In
Adware removal is often more tedious than difficult, but it requires patience and attention to detail. If you've followed these steps and still see pop-ups, redirects, or performance issues, the infection may have deeper hooks into your system or you're dealing with multiple PUP families working together. That's where professional help saves time and frustration.
Computer Repair Roswell has removed thousands of adware infections from Roswell-area computers over the years. We'll thoroughly scan your system, eliminate all traces of Softomate and related PUPs, optimize your browsers for speed, and configure your security settings to prevent reinfection. Most adware removals are completed same-day. Call us at (770) 659-2120 or stop by our shop at 630 Atlanta Street, Roswell, GA 30075. We're open Monday through Saturday, and we're always happy to answer questions—even if you just want advice before attempting removal yourself.